Strength in collaboration: Why the Community Rail Advocacy Alliance matters to farmers and rural economies

For farmers across Alberta and Western Canada, rail service is not just a means of transportation, it is often considered the lifeblood of the industry and farmers’ ability to compete effectively in global markets. From grain to forestry products to energy, the efficient movement of commodities underpins local economies and Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of goods to the world.

Since its inception in 2023, the Community Rail Advocacy Alliance (CRAA) has sought to bring together municipalities, industry leaders and commodity groups under a unified voice to advocate for fair, reliable and efficient rail service. Formed through regional leadership, the alliance reflects a growing recognition that rail challenges are not isolated. They are shared across sectors and regions. What makes the CRAA unique is its breadth. It is not solely an agricultural coalition but includes municipal groups across the province, all of whom rely on dependable rail access.

For farm organizations like Alberta Grains, this collaboration is critical. Grain farmers understand that when rail service falters, the impacts extend far beyond the farm gate. Delays in car allocations, inconsistent service and bottlenecks at ports translate directly into lost income, increased costs and strained customer relationships in key international markets.

Municipalities feel it as well. Reduced rail capacity can limit industrial growth, constrain local job creation and weaken regional competitiveness. Across Alberta and other parts of Western Canada, communities and governments are increasingly recognizing rail reliability as an economic issue that demands action and a co-ordinated approach. The CRAA has steadily increased awareness of these challenges, particularly in the North, and is working to strengthen strategic partnerships with the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta to turn advocacy into action.

One such opportunity, amid a changing geopolitical landscape, is a shift in federal priorities toward increasing the resilience of Canadian industries. This includes becoming more independent and diversifying markets to reduce exposure to global shocks. As a result, there is increased focus on addressing national capacity challenges in supply chains, logistics and trade corridors. These improvements are needed to expand exports beyond the United States and strengthen trade within Canada.

Alberta Grains’ role as an executive member of the alliance since its founding complements other grain-focused initiatives it supports, such as the Ag Transport Coalition, and strengthens national advocacy through organizations like Grain Growers of Canada. Canada has built a strong reputation as a dependable supplier of high-quality grain. That reputation depends on one critical factor, the ability to deliver.

When rail service is inconsistent, it undermines confidence in Canadian exports. Buyers notice delays, contracts become harder to secure and competitor countries gain an advantage. For farmers, the impacts are immediate and tangible, including lower prices, penalties, lost market share and disruptions to cash flow. As a result, Alberta Grains is working to elevate these long-standing concerns by integrating them into broader infrastructure and service discussions led by the CRAA.

The alliance is working to ensure these challenges are understood not as isolated complaints but as systemic issues that require co-ordinated solutions.

“Reliable rail service is critical to the economic success of our communities and industries,” said Jackie Clayton, Grande Prairie mayor and co-chair of the CRAA. “When we work together across sectors and regions, we amplify our voice and can drive the changes needed to keep Canada competitive.”

This reflects the CRAA’s core strength, unity, along with its focus on proactive and strategic outreach, education and advocacy to address rail service issues at the national, provincial and regional levels.

For Alberta farmers and the broader Canadian economy, the path forward is clear. Reliable rail service is essential infrastructure. It requires investment, accountability and co-ordination across governments, industry and communities. Through its leadership role on the CRAA executive, Alberta Grains is helping ensure farmers remain at the centre of the conversation. When rail works, Canada works. When Canada works, farmers and the communities that depend on them can continue to thrive.